The short version: Minecraft for Nintendo Switch 2 launched on October 27, 2026. It’s Bedrock Edition with Vibrant Visuals turned on by default. The Standard Edition costs $29.99, and if you own the original Switch version digitally, the upgrade is free until January 31, 2027. Cartridge owners get a discount offer instead. From launch day, Minecoins bought on Nintendo hardware only work on Nintendo hardware.
- Oct 272026 launch date
- $29.99Standard Edition
- FreeFor digital Switch 1 owners until Jan 31, 2027
- 60+FPS with Vibrant Visuals off, per reviews
When did Minecraft come out on Switch 2?
October 27, 2026. Before that, Switch 2 owners could only play the original Switch version through backward compatibility. The road there:
- June 2026: the ESRB rated a Switch 2 version (E10+), and Mojang confirmed a native port with Vibrant Visuals.
- August 6, 2026: Mojang announced the October 27 date and a digital upgrade path.
- Late August: pre-orders opened at retailers.
- September: Mojang announced the Minecoins split for Nintendo platforms.
- October 27: launch, with the free upgrade for digital owners.
How much is it, and is the upgrade free?
| You own | What you get |
|---|---|
| Minecraft for Switch, digital | Free upgrade to the digital Standard Edition until January 31, 2027 at 9AM PT |
| Minecraft for Switch, cartridge | No free upgrade. An in-game message offers a discounted digital Ultimate Collection. |
| Nothing yet | Standard $29.99, Deluxe Collection $39.99 (includes 700 Minecoins), Ultimate Collection $49.99 |
Your Switch worlds carry over, and signing in with your Microsoft account restores Marketplace purchases and Realms. Online play still needs Nintendo Switch Online.
How does it run?
Much better than the original Switch version, with a catch. Nintendo Everything found that with Vibrant Visuals off, the game runs above 60 fps at max settings. With Vibrant Visuals on, there’s a Performance mode (lower resolution) and a Quality mode (lower frame rate), and players report roughly 27–30 fps on higher settings. Mojang hasn’t published official resolution or frame-rate targets. The most common launch-day complaint was missing mouse and gyro controls.
The Minecoins change
This is the part that annoyed people. Since October 27, Minecoins you buy on a Switch or Switch 2 can only be spent on Nintendo devices, and coins bought on other platforms can’t be spent there. Balances you already had moved into a legacy wallet that still works everywhere. If you play on several devices, buy coins on the platform where you’ll spend them.
Is it Java Edition?
No. Every console version, including Switch 2, is Bedrock Edition. Java Edition stays on PC. Bedrock crossplay with PC, Xbox, PlayStation and mobile works with a Microsoft account.
